Introduction
The main reason why I chose this particular essay is due to the indiscriminatory nature of landmines and how they can impact local populations even decades after they were placed. As evidenced by the statistics within the article, there are 85 million landmines spread out through various countries and conflict areas around the world.
The inherent problem with this is that even if peace can be achieved in such regions through diplomatic means landmines represent a lasting legacy of fear and death which can last even if the main reason behind the original conflict that spawned them is long forgotten. It is based on this that the author presents the idea that the use of landmines should be banned from indiscriminate use during periods of conflict.
While the author does recognize the fact that landmines can act as an effective deterrent during periods of armed conflict, the fact remains that their potential danger to civilian populations after a conflict is over represents an inhumane and reckless use of military armaments that should be stopped.
Is the Essay Peer Reviewed?
Considering the fact that the essay, “Can we ban land mines? They kill anyone” was published in the Commonwealth Foundation in their journal which is known as a notable academic source for various articles on political discourse, then it can safely be stated that this particular essay is indeed peer reviewed.
It should be noted though that there is little, if any, sufficient citation within the essay that can help to attribute the views therein to notable academic sources of information and, as such, detracts from the scholarly veracity of the essay.
Claim of the Essay
The main claim of the essay is that landmines should be considered inhumane and scrapped from use in any and all global conflicts and accorded the same prohibitions as nuclear and chemical weapons.
In asserting such a stance the author points to the numerous civilian deaths that have occurred due to landmines and correctly points out that due to their very nature, landmines are far more dangerous as compared to other forms of military armament since removing them is far more complicated and costly as compared to simply placing them.
It is due to this that they are often left where they are and over the years their location simply becomes forgotten, that is until the point that they are subsequently stepped on by an unassuming villager resulting in a subsequent explosion that kills them. It is based on this that the author utilizes a variety of statistical references in order to depict the dangers landmines represent and the lack of sufficient endeavors in preventing their use.
Does the author utilize the Toulmin method?
When examining the essay it can be seen that the author does indeed utilize the Toulmin method as evidenced by his use of sufficient backing, warrants, rebuttal, claims and a qualifier.
Personal Perspective
It is quite likely that I will utilize the Toulmin model in many of my future writing endeavors since it utilizes a framework that helps to present ideas and arguments in an effective and efficient manner. As for my current use of the style, I have to say that I utilized it on an almost daily basis when it comes to the various essays and assignments I have to write.